Korce or Pogradec: Which One Should You Visit?

When I was planning my trip through south-eastern Albania I had a hard time deciding which city to stay at, Pogradec or Korce. They’re both small cities, both supposed to be charming, and every time I asked a local they told me to visit both.

Korce is considered the cultural capital of Albania – loads of museums, the site of the first Albanian school, European architecture and a long history of philanthropy. Pogradec on the other hand, while also very pretty, doesn’t have the cultural sites, but it does has a spectacular location on Lake Ohrid.

I decided to visit both and spent 10 days in Korce and then 11 days in Pogradec. In the end my favourite was Korce, while Watson (my dog) preferred Pogradec because of the lakefront promenade he got to run down every morning.

Skip to the Pogradec vs Korce summary

Korce or Pogradec: Which One Should You Visit?

Some Albanian cities are more functional than attractive, but that’s not the case with Pogradec or Korce. They are both really nice and worth visiting.

Korce and Pogradec are only 40 km away from each other, so it’s not difficult to visit both if you have time.

And they’re quite different from each other – it’s not a waste to visit both. But if you can’t fit them both into your itinerary, here’s what makes them different from each other.

What Sets Korce and Pogradec Apart

The main difference is that Korce is a very cultural city with lots of museums and more sites than Pogradec. Pogradec has a beautiful location on Lake Ohrid. Most activities and attractions focus on the lake.

Korce is often referred to as the Paris of the Balkans, and it does kind of feel like that. It’s beautiful with lots of parks, European style mansions, cobblestone streets and a historic Ottoman era bazaar.

The heart and soul of Pogradec is Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pogradec is smaller and quieter than Korce, and has more of relaxed holiday vibe. In the summer there is boating, swimming and beachfront cafes.

Korce Has More to Things to See

There’s more attractions in Korce. There are at least 6 museums, a theatre, some spectacular churches, historic neighbourhoods, a restored Ottoman era bazaar, and a host of other things to see and do.

In Pogradec the main thing to do and see is Lake Ohrid. Outside of that, there isn’t much: a couple of churches, a museum and ruins of an ancient castle. The best sites are outside of Pogradec (Lin, National Park of Drilon and Royal Tombs of Selca), and you need a car to reach them.

If you’d like more information on the sites in Pogradec, see my Pogradec guide.

When I arrive in a new destination I always take a walking tour. My Pogradec walking tour was the shortest I’ve ever had (under 2 hours), and half of that was spent in the park looking at statues.

In Korce there’s enough to keep you busy for 2 days. You can use this Korce itinerary to help plan your time there.

Don’t get me wrong – I loved the relaxed vibe of Pogradec and that I didn’t need to see a long list of sites, but that won’t be for everyone.

Which is Easier to Travel to, Korce or Pogradec?

By car they are both as easy to reach, but it takes longer to get to Korce if coming from Tirana, Elbasan, Berat or anywhere that isn’t south Albania. Basically, you have to pass Pogradec to reach Korce.

Neither city has as good bus connectivity as other major Albanian destinations, but from Tirana and Durres there are regular buses to both. From other Albanian cities there could be one direct bus daily.

Check the Gjirafa Travel website for bus schedules. It may not be 100% accurate, but close enough to give you a good idea of the options. I use this website all the time.

If you’re wondering how Albanian buses work, and the best ways to get around the country, see my post on how to travel around Albania.

Korce Has a Better Food Scene

There’s no comparison here. The food scene in Korce is much better than Pogradec. There’s more restaurants, more variety, and the food is really good.

Korce has Italian, French and traditional Albanian restaurants. There’s also really good beer gardens, food trucks, creperies and specialty lakror shops. In fact, Korce is one of the best foodie cities in Albania.

Pogradec has fewer restaurants, and they are mostly fish, traditional food or pizza places. The food is good in Pogradec, but I didn’t find the quality as good as Korce.

However, if you want fresh trout – Pogradec is where to eat it. The king of fish, koran (a type of trout), comes from Lake Ohrid and Pogradec is famous for it.

Pogradec is Cheaper than Korce

Both cities are more budget-friendly the Albanian Riviera or Tirana, but of the two Pogradec is less expensive than Korce. Prices are about 30% less in Pogradec than Korce for restaurant meals and accommodation.

Almost all the sites in Pogradec are free, including National Park of Drilon and the Royal Tombs of Selca which is on the UNESCO tentative list. The only admission I paid in Pogradec was 100 lek ($1.20 USD) at the Pogradec Museum.

In contract, most of the Korce sites have entrance fees, but none are expensive. The most expensive admission I paid was 700 lek ($8.50 USD) for the National Museum of Medieval Art.

Korce Has More Nightlife

Neither city is known for night life. Korce does have more options than Pogradec, but even locals complain there’s nothing to do in Korce at night.

If you’re hoping for night clubs and dancing, head to Ksamil or Saranda, because you won’t find them in Korce or Pogradec.

Korce has beer gardens (it’s the home of Birra Korca) and lots of outdoor bar/cafes, especially by the Old Bazaar and along the main pedestrian promenade in the centre. Pogradec has bar/cafes and the Sherlock Irish Pub, which looked like it would be lively in summer.

Pogradec is Better in Summer, Korce is Better in Winter

Locals say Korce is better in winter and Pogradec is better in summer.

That’s because Korce is one of the most beautiful and popular winter destinations in Albania, while Pogradec is popular in summer because of Lake Ohrid and the beaches.

I’m not sure I agree it’s better to visit Korce in winter, than summer – I think summer is nice in Korce too. But if you’re planning a winter Albania trip – Korce is better than Pogradec.

Korce is supremely pretty in the snow with the holiday lights, Christmas markets, and you can use it as a base to visit the famous winter villages of Voskopoja and Dardhe.

Korce is Better for Couples

Korce is more romantic than Pogradec. The cobblestone streets, French restaurants and creperies, sidewalk cafes, and beautiful guest houses in restored mansions make the city enchanting.

Pogradec has a terrific lake front promenade that could be romantic, but it doesn’t compare to the charm of Korce.

Pogradec is Better for Families

Pogradec is better than Korce for families, especially if you have small children.

Lake Ohrid with its beaches, paddle boats, water slides and long stroller and bike friendly promenade make Pogradec an ideal location for families. There are parks along the lake with mini rides for little ones (called Luna Parks), lots of pizza places and fast food spots selling roasted chickens, and many hotels offer family rooms.

Plus, Pogradec is smaller, quieter and the locals (like everywhere in Albania) are very welcoming.

Korce is Better for Solo Travellers

In terms of safety, Korce and Pogradec are equally as safe. Albania in general is very safe for solo travellers. I travelled solo in both cities and felt safe at all times.

Korce has more to do and a more social atmosphere than Pogradec, which is better for solo travellers. There’s also a bigger selection of small guest houses which are relatively budget friendly.

Which is Better for Onward Travel, Korce or Pogradec?

That depends on where you want to go next.

Korce is closer to northern Greece (Florina, Kastoria and Thessaloniki), and southern Albania destinations like Saranda, Ksamil and Gjiorokaster.

Pogradec is closer to North Macedonia (Ohrid and Skopje) and Albania destinations in the middle and north of the country, like Berat, Tirana, Durres and Shkoder.

Where to Stay in Korce and Pogradec

In Pogradec, the best area to stay in is the centre as close to Lake Ohrid as possible. Pogradec doesn’t have public transit, so even if you find a great deal, don’t stay far from the centre unless you have a car.

My favourite Pogradec hotels:

• Luxury: Hotel Hymeti’s Palace
• Mid-range: Seven Cafe & Hotel
• Mid-range: Perla Hotel

In Korce, the nicest area is around Bulevardi Republika in the centre. Bulevardi Republika has tall trees, parks and restored mansions, while the side streets are cobblestone with historic homes.

The Old Bazaar area is popular too – this is a more lively neighbourhood.

My favourite hotels and guest houses in Korce are:

• Luxury: Vila E’bel Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Mid-range: Vila Lordev
• Budget: Hotel Vila Mano

Here is a more detailed guide on where to stay in Korce.

How to Visit Both Pogradec and Korce

Pogradec and Korce are only 40 km apart, so if you have time it’s easy to visit both. They’re very different from each other, and it’s worth seeing each of them.

When I visited Pogradec and Korce, I started in Korce and travelled by taxi to Pogradec (2200 lek – $26.50 USD), but there are lots of daily buses between the two.

If you can visit both, I suggest 3 nights in Korce and 2 nights in Pogradec. This would give you time to see the sites and take a day trip if you want.

Voskopoja with its Byzantine era churches is a great day trip from Korce. The beautiful village of Lin on Lake Ohrid, or National Park of Drilon are great day trips from Pogradec.

Pogradec vs Korce: Summary of Key Differences

Last Words on Korce or Pogradec: Which One Should You Visit?

In the end, I’m glad I didn’t choose just one. Korce kept me busy with museums, cafes and beautiful streets, and Pogradec gave me slow morning walks by the lake.

Watson (my dog) had no doubts – he’d pick Pogradec every time for the promenade runs alone. Wherever you go, I hope you find a favourite of your own.

Want itinerary ideas? Here’s how I fit Pogradec and Korce into a 5 days in Albania route.

Share on Social: